Olivier Award winner DAVID BEDELLA will soon play razor-wielding madman Sweeney Todd with SARAH INGRAM as his pie-making partner in crime, Mrs Lovett at the Twickenham Theatre. I caught up with them for a cup of tea and a pie to have a chat about the show.
Can you tell me about some of your career highlights for anyone who may not be familiar with you work?
DB: The obvious is JERRY SPRINGER THE OPERA. It’s became my calling card and the key to the door of some of the greatest performance venues in the world. I played the West End and sang the show at Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Sydney Opera
House all in the same year.
SI: For me, Mrs. Hannigan in ANNIE, Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS, My first Shakespeare, MUCH ADO A
BOUT NOTHING. Working with Kevin Spacey at The Old Vic wasn’t too shabby either.
Can you tell me about the story of Sweeney Todd and what attracted you to the role you are playing.
DB: No, do your homework! ;-). As for what’s attracted me, it’s been a longstanding love affair. I first heard the cast album when I was 14 years old and became obsessed with the show.
SI: Come see the show…! It’s a bucket list role – psychotic Lunatic is what I specialise in!
How does this production differ from others that people may be familiar with?
DB: By virtue of the size of the venue and the size of the cast it will be as in your face as SWEENEY TODD ever gets. It will be terrifying, riveting and I hope ultimately very moving.
SI: We’re focusing on the claustrophobia of the time and consequently the piece. It was not an era of daylight and therefore the intensity is heightened.
Have you ever had any funny/disastrous on-stage experiences?
DB: No… 😉
SI: If exposing my left breast to the entirety of the Hammersmith Apollo is considered amusing, then I would put that down on my list. I’ve fallen down stairs, slid off stages, and at this precise moment am staring the b-jesus out of my Director!
If you were going to name a pet after a musical theatre character, what would you choose?
DB: George. I tried to take George as my confirmation name but my mother said no. Always loved it.
SI: Obviously Mama Rose, male or female!
What is your favourite Sondheim song?
DB: Speak of the devil, Sunday from SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. It makes me cry each and every time I hear it!
SI:Anyone Can Whistle from ANYONE CAN WHISTLE.
Thanks for having Tea With Wilma
Sweeney Todd is playing at the Twickenham Theatre from 10 September – 4 October 2014. Click here for more information and to book tickets.
